How to Spend 3 Days in Stellenbosch

With three days in Stellenbosch, there is enough time to experience the best of the city’s history and culture, the region’s many wineries, and the great outdoors. See below on how to spend three days in South Africa’s City of Oaks.

Day 1: Wine, Wine, and More Wine

Wine tasting is one of the main attractions in Stellenbosch, home to the oldest wine route in South Africa. Get an early start with a glass of bubbly as you enjoy sunrise over the Cape Winelands. Afterward, spend the day visiting different wineries and sampling their vintages, including regional specialties such as pinotage. Go on a tasting tour via bike, e-bike, scooter, or horseback, or leave the driving to someone else on the hop-on hop-off Wine Hopper van. To fully customize your experience—and cruise around in style—opt for a private guided tour. 

Many wineries offer snacks and meals, spanning gourmet feasts to simple picnics, in addition to pairings with cheeses, chocolates, cupcakes, ice cream, or pizza. Enjoy dinner back in Stellenbosch. If you haven’t had enough to drink yet, there are plenty of bars and clubs in town.

Day 2: City Sightseeing

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, with a long history and rich culture. Join a walking tour of the city to learn more about both as you walk around town and admire the well-preserved Dutch Cape, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. Then step back in time at the Stellenbosch Village Museum, home to four fully restored historical houses from different time periods. Art lovers should check out the Rupert Museum, the Stellenbosch Art Gallery, and the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. When lunchtime hits, go café hopping to sample local bites, and on weekends, take advantage of the outdoor markets. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town, then end the day with some live entertainment. Depending on the season, you may be able to catch an outdoor concert, jazz show, or theater performance.

Day 3: Wild Views and Wildlife

Set in the Jonkershoek Valley with the Stellenbosch mountains in the background, Stellenbosch is known for its spectacular scenery. Enjoy the outdoors—and the views—at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A range of hiking and biking trails are available, offering different levels of difficulty and lasting from an hour to an entire day.

In the afternoon, choose from among several activities in the area. Animal lovers can spend the afternoon with wildlife at several animal sanctuaries included on-site at wineries, such as Eagle Encounters at Spier Wine Farm, the Vrendenheim Big Cat Park, and the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary. Horseback riding is another option in the region, and wine lovers can spend their time touring additional wineries in the Stellenbosch area, or in the nearby Franschhoek region. When back in Stellenbosch for the night, join the town’s thriving nightlife with dinner, drinks, and dancing.